Onkraj vrtičkov, skupnostni vrt Onkraj gradbišča

Beyond Allotment Gardens, Community Garden Beyond a Construction Site

2021

Editors: Urška Jurman, Polonca Lovšin

Participating authors: Blaž Križnik and Aidan Cerar, Marko Peterlin and Senka Šifkovič Vrbica, Urška Jurman, Elke Krasny, Maja Simoneti, Apolonija Šušteršič
Publishers: KUD Obrat
Language: Slovene

The book presents a unique spatial, ecological and community experiment Beyond a Construction Site (2010–22), with which the initiators, KUD Obrat (Obrat Art and Culture Association), in cooperation with residents and other interested parties, transformed a long-dormant construction site in the center of Ljubljana into a community space intended for gardening, everyday contact with nature in the city, socializing, education and culture.

Contributing authors rethink the operation of Beyond a Construction Site in the light of current development challenges, the need to strengthen social cohesion and biotic diversity, as well as mitigating and adapting to climate change. At the same time, the authors emphasize the importance of the participation of residents and the wider local community in the planning and management of the city, the temporary use of space as a form of quick response to the needs of residents and its long-term effects. They also point out the necessity of ensuring typologically diverse and sufficient green areas in the city and systemic support for community initiatives.

Read more about the project development and conclusion of this 12 years long process.

Order a book here.